Heart Duel

Disclaimer: Check out the previous chapters

Chapter 11: En Gârde

As my Flower Day drew nearer, a sense of anticipation filled me. My family would be arriving later today to celebrate with me. Personally, I'd rather spend the day with my family and a few close friends, but that was not to be, as it was considered rude to leave even acquaintances off the list of invited.

After breaking fast, I hurriedly dressed for sword practice, lacing up a white bodice-like contraption over my shirt. Meridanaria had invited me to join her for a bout that day, and I was more than happy to comply. Stepping into the garrison court, I immediately located my friends and strode towards them.

The group of them which consisted of: Meridanaria, Lord Russell, Lady Tamora, Lady Renata, and her brothers Lord Rendall and Lord Reynold, were all standing around a pair of duellists, and seemed engrossed by the display of skill. They scarcely noticed me as I arrived to stand in their midst.

The duellists were none other than Derrick and the Crown Prince. There seemed to be no clear victor as both were equally skilled with the sword. For a moment, Derrick gained the upper hand, as he rapidly delivered a number of thrusts in the Crown Prince's direction, his practice blade even managed to graze his opponent's arm. As the Crown Prince retreated from the ongoing attack, I silently cheered Derrick on.

With a tilt of his practice blade, Derrick managed to parry another of the Crown Prince's blows. "Come on, Kaelen. Is that the best you can do?" taunted Derrick with a smirk.

"I fear my skill does not lie with the sword, but with hand-to-hand combat, Derrick," replied the Crown Prince, all the while remaining focused on the duel.

Another slash of Derrick's blade, and the duel was over. "I yield," said the Crown Prince, saluting Derrick in admission of being bested.

Derrick lowered his blade and patted the Crown Prince on the back, "You proved to be a worthy opponent."

"And you were better than I expected," continued the Crown Prince, "but not nearly good enough."

"Ah, well my skill does not lie with the sword either, but with the staff," admitted Derrick with a shrug.

It was then that they noticed me. "Lana, almost didn't notice you there!" exclaimed Derrick, running a hand through his hair. "Naria mentioned that you were going to duel with her."

Meridanaria smiled at the mention of her name, while easing between her fiancé and brother. She placed her hand lightly on her brother's arm and whispered something in his ear. He winced at her touch and nodded, placing his hand over hers. By now, the others were already deep in conversation about the upcoming races. A soft glow seeped between their fingers, and the Crown Prince closed his eyes with a sigh as the glow faded.

"What was that?" I asked, vocalising my thoughts.

At this, conversation between the remaining courtiers came to an abrupt halt, as they all turned to stare at me quizzically. Lady Tamora looked at me as if I were mad. "What was what, Lady Tylana?" she asked, the corners of her lips lifting slightly in a mocking smile.

I caught Meridanaria's eye from over Derrick's shoulder, as she sent me a silent plea to remain silent. "Nothing, I must be half-awake if I'm still seeing things which aren't there," I mumbled.

"A bout or two will set you to rights!" offered Derrick as he steered me to an open space. "Naria?" he raised an eyebrow in query.

She shook her head in response, "I fear my energy has been spent, forgive me Lady Tylana, but another time perhaps?"

"Certainly, but then my trip here will be for naught!"

"If I may be of service, Lady Tylana?" asked the Crown Prince.

'But you're hurt' I thought 'but healed now', I added. Out loud I said, "Of course."

We saluted each other with our blades as was customary. It started of well, as we both vainly tried to beat the other. At first, I had thought that I could beat him, considering that I had beaten Derrick before. But on a second thought, Derrick had allowed me to win, just as Lord Russell had.

In a desperate attempt to emerge victorious, I slashed wildly with my blade in order to knock his from his grasp. Instead, I nearly amputated his hand in the process. "A distraction, Lady Tylana?" he chided with a grin, "That's cheating - even for a lady."

"It was an accident," I replied, "but even if it were on purpose, I wasn't always a lady." I emphasised my point by jabbing him yet again. But I made the mistake of taking too large a step, causing myself to stumble and the point of my blade to go further than intended. It was aimed straight for his heart.

Why did I always play the part of a fool in his presence?

His eyes registered surprise at my "attack", but he managed to step aside just in the nick of time, and grabbed my extended arm to prevent me from falling and inadvertently poking a hole through the floor. I regained my balance during this time, and jerked involuntarily when he twisted my sword arm behind my back to inhibit me from harming any of the bystanders.

"You nearly killed me." He stared deeply into my eyes, a serious expression on his face.

"That seriously was an accident."

His eyes lost their intensity as he said, "Are you all right?"

"No, my arm, you're still wrenching it."

"You deserve it for what you've done. Luckily, I am skilled in hand-to-hand combat."

"It was an accident! And I apologise."

"Apology not accepted," he retorted with a mysterious smile.

"I don't care if you accept it so long as I apologised."

"Then, I shan't let you go."

"Let Lady Tylana go Kaelen, can't you see she's in pain?" asked Meridanaria concernedly. He remained silent.

"Let me go," I repeated, "And in case you didn't know, this isn't exactly gentlemanly behaviour."

"I never said I was a gentleman," he answered simply, his smile widening. "But a kiss would change even the toughest ruffian's mind."

There I was back in the marketplace, with Thoran's huge hand wrapped around my wrist. "That's blackmail!"

"No, that's compensation. And in case you didn't notice, you tore my shirt."

"I'll pay for it!" I was getting desperate and his grip wasn't loosening.

"A kiss is all I ask, and it would cost you nothing."

"Nothing but my honour!"

"Your honour will not be compromised by a mere kiss," he countered.

The entire garrison court was now silently watching the unfolding drama. Would this prime material for gossip, or what? Thankfully, Lady Tamora broke the silence by saying, "A kiss is a lovely trick designed by nature to stop speech when words become superfluous (Ingrid Bergman), Your Highness. I don't think Lady Tylana regards her words as such."

"To stop speech, you say?" a thoughtful look entered his eyes as he looked at her for a moment. She smiled sweetly in response, but her eyes betrayed her jealousy.

Excuse me, but I was in pain here!

"Then perhaps my words are the ones which are superfluous. Would you care to stop my speech Lady Tylana?"

What was he playing at?

I had to move, and move fast!

"I'd love to," I replied, my voice dripping with sarcasm as I tried to knee him in the groin. He turned his body slightly to receive the blow on his thigh instead.

"You missed," he said grinning, "but I won't." With that said, he pulled me towards him and gave me the lightest of kisses. His lips were soft and tender, and felt like butterfly wings. My practice blade clattered to the floor noisily, and he let me go.

It happened before I could do anything to stop it. The loud "crack" of flesh against flesh resounded in the garrison court. My hand stung from the force of the slap. I saw him rubbing his jaw with a grimace. Trembling, I backed away from him. Sensing many a pair of eyes on me, I glanced around at my surroundings, and saw that many of the onlookers were as shocked as I at what had just transpired.

What caught my eye, however, was money being passed from one person to another, amongst the various groups of courtiers. They were betting at my expense?

Derrick cleared his throat with a theatrical "ahem" to get everyone's attention. "That was unexpected! Lana, you should've kissed him, that way, I would've won the bet." It was a lame effort to relieve the awkwardness of the situation, and it did not work. Not for me at least.

"Haven't you heard, Derrick?" asked Lord Russell, "The gentleman always makes the first move."

"Indeed, Russell. But times have changed, and Lana is forthright enough to display her affections - or lack of it," he added dryly.

"He is no gentleman," I said tersely, before spinning on my heel and striding out of the garrison court.

The gathered crowd parted to let me pass, as I broke into a run out of the garrison court. My tears of rage blinded my vision, and fell unheeded down my cheeks. I was positively livid with anger.

"Kaelen, aren't you going to apologise?" asked Meridanaria while I was still in hearing distance.

"She just slapped me. Hard. Should I apologise now?"

"You boys will be the death of me," she handed her blade to Lady Renata before hurrying after me.

~*~

I looked up when I heard her approach. My tear-stained cheeks must have been unexpected, for she gasped at the sight of it. "It was a dare."

I looked her questioningly.

"Derrick and Lord Russell dared Kaelen to kiss you," she paused. "You know how the young men are when they are together. I apologise on his behalf, but I was partly at fault, considering that I gave him the opportunity to duel with you. But I truly did not know that he intended to do good on the dare." She looked apologetic with her downcast eyes.

"I understand." I wiped my eyes with a bitter laugh. "I just don't understand one thing, I am able to face down ruffians and thugs, but not him."

"Ruffians and thugs?"

"Yes, I meet those often when I'm back home. They always try to have their way with the village girls." Her eyebrows were raised in question. "I disguise myself as a commoner at times, to blend in."

"My brother would kill me before he allowed me to venture out alone and unprotected."

"Male chauvinist pig," I snorted.

"No, it's just that he fears someone might study my movements and try to capture me for their own uses."

"Derrick told me that."

"Kaelen wasn't always this way - he wasn't always so bold. Honestly, what he did back there and why he did it is beyond me! Back home, he never initiates a flirtation, and definitely never kissed someone in public. Whether he has kissed anyone in private is a mystery, for no lady has ever flaunted her 'experience' with the Crown Prince, but many are still vying to do so." She sighed.

"You make it sound like a kiss-and-tell competition."

"It is. But in truth, my brother is a ruffian. He is fiercely protective of me, even more so than our parents, since Mother is always busy with ruling and Father off on his adventuring. Naturally, it fell to him to be my protector and guardian."

"No one would want to marry a man like that."

"Why not? A woman needs her husband, no matter how powerful or independent she is."

"He would make a horrible lover. Imagine not being able to associate with various eligible Lords because of one jealous lover!"

"Indeed, but it is just his way of showing affection. He is slow to trust, but slow to betray. If he trusts you, he will tell you everything. If he doesn't, nothing you say will make him think otherwise." She frowned. "Does that make sense?"

"A little. But go on," I prompted.

"In a way, he has begun to trust you. I think he believes that you will not tell the others about the kiss."

"What is there to tell? Half the court saw it with their own eyes!"

"But they don't know what it feels like. Only you do," she replied with a twinkle in her eye.

"What good is that?" I groaned.

"You got to slap him. Only he knows the pain of your slap."

I brightened at the memory. "I hope it was hard enough."

"It was the first slap he has ever received from anyone, I think. And his first rejection," she said solemnly.

"Why do I have a feeling that we'll be the best of friends?" I asked with a laugh.

"Because we both have the trust of my brother?"

"Perhaps. Does he tell you everything?"

"More or less. He did tell me about the incident in the tree, but not everything," she added hastily. "Why were you climbing the tree?"

"To get out. There was a fair in the marketplace that day."

"You certainly are no court lady I've met, and I meant that as a compliment."

I smiled. "Feel free to join me when you will."

"I will." She nodded. "We'll be going in disguise, I presume?"

"How else will we pull it off?"

I picked up a pebble and skipped it across the pond opposite us. The rippling water reflected the light, and reminded me of the glow from Meridanaria's hand. "You healed the graze on his arm, didn't you?"

She smiled while looking into the distance. "Yes."

That was all she said, and it signalled the end of our conversation. We went our separate ways soon after, she to the garrison court, and I back to my rooms. On the messenger table, I found a bouquet of hyacinths edged with stalks of garden chervil. Sincere Apology.

A reply to my query?

Or an apology for the morning's events?

Leaving them as they were, I removed changed out of my shirt and breeches into a walking gown, preparing myself for the arrival of my family.

They arrived as simply as I, and were quickly ushered to meet Uncle Danric and Aunt Mel. They greeted each other warmly, and I introduced Nimaric and Brimiar to Liara, who for once, did not feel like the baby of the family. Derrick was nowhere in sight. I think he feared my wrath.

I was not angry at him, just appalled at his childishness. Men - or should I say boys, were such an immature lot!

"How's everything, Lana?" asked Mother.

"Fine." I hugged her tightly, relishing her comforting and familiar smell.

"That's good to hear," boomed Father as Uncle Danric ushered him to a cushion.

Mother was led away by Aunt Mel, and I was left in charge of my siblings. Liara decided to accompany us, as she had little else to do. As we strolled through the gardens with my siblings in tow, we met a few of the courtiers who had witnessed the incident earlier that day.

"So soon, Lady Tylana? I thought the kiss just occurred today?" asked the Baron of Orbainth.

"Deric!" chided his wife, "How dare you say such a thing?"

The Baron chuckled, "Just having a little fun with you, my dear."

"If I can handle the humiliation of the incident, I'm sure a little joke can do no more harm." I smiled briefly.

The twins "oohed" and "aahed" at every bloom and sculpture, every fountain and tree. They were as impressed as I was of Athanarel when I first arrived. Certainly, Tlanth was no longer in shambles since the Aunt Mel's marriage, but it still could not compare to the Royal Palace. However, no matter how beautiful the manicured gardens were, they were no match for the forests of Tlanth.

We managed to encounter Lord Felix and a few of the delegation from Erev-li- Erval during our stroll. They were just returning from the garrison court, talking and laughing without a care in the world.

Greetings were exchanged when we met, and the twins received a barrage of compliments for all their inquisitiveness and precocious-ness. They seemed to bask in the showers of attention. Such was the simplicity of childhood innocence; they were so easily contented.

"A word with you, if I may, Lady Tylana?" asked Lord Felix. I nodded and took his extended hand.

As he led me away from the group, the sounds of chatter grew muted. "About the matter of the upcoming adoption ball, I had heard that you were accepting suggestions."

"Indeed, I am. You have a suggestion?"

Nodding, he said, "I was thinking of basing it on the Miyanoko Islands five thousand years ago."

"Why the Miyanoko Islands? They have since disappeared off the face of this earth, bringing along with them most of their culture, heritage and magic. The little information we have of them may not be enough."

"That makes it all the more exotic and exciting. Furthermore, they were the most powerful kingdom of the time. Having it as the theme of the adoption ball would compliment the alliance as well as the marriage."

"I would be more than happy to help you in any way I can," he added as an afterthought.

His idea was a little ridiculous, but not impossible. "I would take your suggestion into consideration." He bowed.

I thought about the idea of having a Miyanokian themed adoption ball as we made our way back to the Royal residence. Lord Felix's reason made sense, but did this have something to do with his surprise? How does Thoran the Terrible fit in?

Lord Felix's surprise. Miyanokian theme. How did they fit together?

~*~

Dinner that night was enjoyable. Those present included my family, the Royal family, Princess Meridanaria and the Crown Prince. Coincidentally enough, the Crown Prince sat across me, with Derrick to his left, who sat across Meridanaria. They both largely ignored me, avoiding eye contact unless absolutely necessary.

Derrick, for once, remained silent unless spoken to, and the Crown Prince darted only furtive looks at me. It was hard not to laugh at the sight they made, sending looks at one another.

They were like the village boys back home during the annual harvest festival, when rows of wooden tables were laid out in the square, and girls were made to sit opposite the boys. When the dancing began, the boys would do exactly what my cousin and the Crown Prince were doing, glancing at each other quickly, nudging one another, and even mouthing silent messages, to daring each other to ask for a dance. Of course, the two currently in my company were only doing the first. It would be rude if the remaining two were included.

Meridanaria noticed her largely silent fiancé and almost fidgeting brother, and leaned in to whisper in my ear. "Look at them!"

"I know. It's funny isn't it?"

"I've never seen Kaelen this embarrassed!"

"Or I, Derrick." I laughed softly.

She returned to her dinner, and began complimenting Nimaric on how fine he looked in his deep burgundy suit.

Dinner ended, and once again the adults were to spend the evening by themselves. They invited us to join them, but we declined, claiming tiredness. The twins were put in the charge of their nanny, Bertha, and sent to bed.

As the two gentlemen offered to escort us to our rooms, the four of us strolled down the corridors with Meridanria and I leading the way. We reached my rooms first. I turned to give Meridanaria a hug. "Goodnight, Meridanaria."

"Sweet dreams," she replied, "And call me Naria."

"Call me Lana."

As I stepped back, I regarded the two men, as if deciding what to do with them. They were still looking uncomfortable. I laughed, with my hand over my mouth. Meridanaria looked amused for a second, but soon joined in my mirth.

"All right, that's enough." I paused to catch my breath and get my laughter under control.

For the first time that day since the incident, both men looked me in the eye. "What happened today was embarrassing, but somewhat memorable, don't you agree?"

They nodded dumbly.

"I'll never ever forget that," said Meridanaria, "I forgot to mention it just now, but if it makes you feel any better, Derrick kissed me in front of the ENTIRE court. That's double yours."

"Anyway, that was my first court kiss," I continued. "I had actually wanted to share it with someone special, but since your sister made you sound like some prize everyone's fighting for, and I did get to slap you, I'll forget about it."

"You have quite an arm," complimented the Crown Prince.

"So I heard," I replied. "I hope I left an impression."

"Oh, you most certainly did! Quite a distinct one, in fact. If it wasn't for Naria, he'd have a handprint right there," added Derrick. The awkward moment had passed.

"So you aren't angry with us any more?" asked Derrick.

"The anger has dissipated, evaporated and disappeared," I replied waving my fan airily. "Just promise not to do something like that again."

"You have my word," said Derrick as he embraced me.

"It was a moment of folly, and one I would never, ever dare to repeat," added the Crown

Prince, as he rubbed his cheek unconsciously. "But I fear both our reputations have been harmed." He looked at me apologetically.

"I doubt it, the ladies would be jealous, and the gentlemen would be less encouraged to have their way with me. Just make sure you spread the word on how good my arm is." They laughed at the joke.

"Friends?" he asked, extending his hand with a relieved smile.

"Friends." And we shook hands to seal the deal.

~*~ *A/N: Finally, chapter 11! Took a long time, but its done, and I can only write during the holidays, anyway. At least it's as long as the previous one. Increase in fluff; don't know if that's good or bad news for you guys. Also received feedback that the plot hasn't been really there. I hope this builds up a little more on it, more queries and thinking on Lana's part.

I made up Miyanoko Islands, so it's mine. Don't get all mixed up about it. From the name, you can probably deduce that its gonna be some oriental thing. Yes, it is. I just got this whole thing for the Japanese and Chinese culture, coz I'm Chinese for one, and inspiration from Tamora Pierce of course.

I'd also like to get something clear. Lana and Kaelen are just friends (see last line of story). So don't expect too much smooching between them, yeah? It doesn't make sense to go kissing your friend, or you friend's brother for that matter. This does NOT mean a decrease in fluff, so don't you worry!

If you didn't notice, I've been adding funny literary stuff. Someone, (I can't remember who) mentioned the "lack of parental love" thing, well that's just the effect of reading too much "I'm the King of the Castle" by Susan Hill for literature. Hope you don't mind.

**Lastly, I'd like you guys to give me feedback on my characterisation and plot, the latter being more important. I did notice my lack of it, but since a reviewer brought it up, I thought I might as well ask the rest of you. For characterisation, tell me what you think of the characters so far, did they do what you expect them to? (Not that they had to do what you expect them to, people do unexpected things at times). For plot, tell me if this chapter helps develop it, and any other stuff you think I should improve upon. Thank you!

To the reviewers~

Faeriegurl: Ok, hopefully you can see that I am desperately trying to build up on the plot here, feel free to give me ideas. Lana is not "Xena the warrior princess", and the she only managed to beat Derrick and Russell because they let her beat them. Since she was new and all, they went easy on her. Also, she was indeed raised like a court lady by her mother, but her father also taught her how to defend herself, as he thought it was practical and important. She does not despise Kaelen, but finds him irritating, which is not surprising, as guys his age tend to be a little obnoxious. This is made worse by the fact that he is a Crown Prince, and used to having his own way. Yep criticism kind of bursts your bubble and bruises your ego, but it does help me to improve. Kaelen lacks something? I think he and Derrick made a good pair, and trust me I see a striking resemblance between them and Vidanric and Branaric. It was an unintentional thing. Mary-sue, I know, can't help it, am really trying to make her less perfect, but her upbringing makes it almost impossible, unless you consider her horrible temper and fear of horses. Thanks for your ultra long review.means that you really do take time to analyse it.that doesn't mean I don't appreciate short reviews!

Linzadoodle: Haven't checked out your fic, but will do so soon. Start writing a CCD fic now!

Lotrlover911: The tension would be less from now on, I guess. I hope to throw in a few sexual tension episodes, though. And it won't be a whole letter-writing thing, the idea just doesn't fit.

Steph: Kind of made the whole name up during geography lesson, was watching some video on volcanoes, and there was some name, which I fiddled about with. Glad you like him, and you gotta figure Thoran out for yourself.

Danric-lover: Glad you like it, here's the update. Well, I love Danric too, so share please!

Shadowed memory: Here's the update, and its not going ot be totally Mel- Danric anymore, coz they're friends!

Aqualyne: I'll tell her, she looked like a strawberry princess previously.

Idiotic gal: Some people like KD, others like Derrick, its ur own opinion I guess.

Sunny: Fluff is good! I am a total romance buff, but the fluff ain't gonna go all the way, just sweet kisses, you know?

Charmgirl: the plot thickens further. Yep, the flowers do add a little more meaning ot everything.

Elanial: Well, its NOT going to be letter-writing, the whole idea doesn't fit, so don't you worry.

ChocolateEclar: They're both nice.at least on the outside!

Tigress-of-Shang: Thanks for reading.

Rosebud: the library thing is there! Maybe ff.net was screwing up that day, read it now if you still haven't! Email me if you still have problems, put "Heart Duel Trouble" as the subject.

ME: do it over the holidays, so much homework.sigh

Dracorum: its pretty clear who he is, but who cares?

Cheler: Hope this makes up for it!